Ritz & Repeat

Traveling down the coast to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel  for a weekend of serenity and celebration—of the Kilometre Paris x Ritz-Carlton collaboration.

By Eva Grunburg

From the moment I walk into The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, everything is sparkling: the frothy cerulean waves crashing on Salt Creek Beach; the hotel itself, having recently completed property-wide renovations; and of course, the champagne at check-in. While I’m partial to Santa Barbara’s very own Ritz-Carlton Bacara, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to trade the Central Coast for SoCal for the weekend in celebration of the Ritz-Carlton’s latest collaboration with Kilometre Paris, a brand known for vibrant, hand-embroidered accessories that tell the stories of the world’s most intriguing destinations.

My favorite getaway companion, my mother, and I venture off to the Dana Guestrooms wing, passing glistening dolphin sculptures and an exhibit on Hobie, Southern California’s first surf shop, complete with vintage photographs, brand memorabilia, and iconic surf boards. Blending the soulful charm of Southern California with timeless Spanish elegance, the serene hues of green and birch decor make our ocean-view room an extension of Laguna’s natural beauty. 

Hypnotized by panoramic views, we’re reeled into 180 BLU for Ahi Tuna Tartare and Guacamole with house-made tlayudas for a pick-me-up to revive us following our drive. My Honeycomb Spritz, which arrives with a hearty chunk of actual honeycomb, and my mom’s glass of Sancerre easily do the trick as we toast to the memories ahead. 

Refueled, we take a tour of the 41-year-old property. From guest-favorite hit restaurants that were supposed to only be pop-ups, to the ten specialty suites, to the custom Ritz-Carlton Compartes chocolate bars that benefit the Ocean Institute, a marine education program, it’s evident that the hotel’s history and intention are by design. I can’t help but snag a couple bars of the chocolate—for the sake of the ocean.

While the main events of the tour are breathtaking, the thoughtfulness of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is down to the details. We examine the glowing light fixtures that line the hallway ceilings: “It’s a sunhat,” someone says, “It’s a stingray,” another calls out. “It’s a shell and pearl,” General Manager Kelly Steward says with a smile, eliciting a collective, “Ahh,” from the group. Hidden in plain sight, California soul is imbued in every facet of the hotel. 

We end the tour with spritzes in the Club Lounge, getting lost in our conversations and the breathtaking view until it’s time to get ready for the dinner celebrating the Ritz-Carlton and Kilometre collaboration.

After a quick turnaround from coastal casual to coastal chic (with a little help from the in-room Dyson hairdryer), my mom and I are ready for the event. We arrive at the Monarch Sunset Terrace to celebrate the debut of Kilometre Paris x Ritz-Carlton, a collaboration honoring creativity, craftsmanship, and the joy of travel. The evening’s ambiance encompasses Kilometre’s dedication to authentic adventure. Fuchsia tablecloths and wicker lanterns sway in the breeze as “Young, Wild, and Free,” by Snoop Dogg echoes on the sitar, orchestrating one of the most magnificent sunsets I’ve ever seen—which says a lot considering I live between Santa Barbara and San Diego. 

Following the success of The Ritz-Carlton’s collaboration with Madrid-based clothing brand Late Checkout, Ritz-Carlton x Kilometre Paris channels the spirit of four iconic coastal resorts, Laguna Niguel, Santa Barbara, Amelia Island, and Key Biscayne, into handcrafted bags designed to be remembered and treasured as a connection to place, culture, and community. After perusing the new collection, I instinctively gravitate towards the “Santa Barbara” Le Tube Basket.

Each piece gives back, with 32% of proceeds, inspired by the 32.8 feet that make a kilometer, being donated to Community Footprints, a partnership between Ritz-Carlton hotels and local charities to bolster protection of the environment, education for children, and opportunity for social mobility. I learn that Kilometre was founded by a mother-daughter duo, and it feels even more meaningful that I was able to experience the weekend and launch with my mom. 

While chatting with Tiffany, the hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing at the private launch dinner, she shares that her head-to-toe blue ensemble is inspired by The Ritz-Carlton's signature color, which is called “Memorable Blue.” I find the name extremely fitting for the distinctive dinner, designs, and destination that I’m sure to remember forever. 

Friday morning rolls in with the tide and it’s time for us to attend the Ritz-Carlton’s signature Pacific Purification Ritual, a transformative wellness journey that urges participants to release what no longer serves them. We begin with an aura cleansing with white sage, which is traditionally gifted by Native Americans, then experience a tranquil sound bath and guided meditation. Once in a meditative state, it’s time for the cold plunge to fully release and renew. Soon enough, I find myself diving into the chilly saltwater and earning a Ritz-Carlton rash guard emblazoned with the motto, “All-in.”

We return to warmth atop the bluffs and begin the final activity: crafting our own Mala Mantra bracelets, with meaningful gemstones that serve as reminders of the mantras they represent. I select Rose Quartz, promoting love, Labradorite, promoting strength, and Tiger’s Eye, promoting courage. 

Experiencing spiritual renewal first thing in the morning leaves us famished, so my mom and I head to brunch at Raya for mimosas, a lobster benedict, a California omelette, and panoramic views of the ocean I was just immersed in. Dappled along the surface are dozens of surfers, which is welcome entertainment during our meal.

No trip is complete without lounging by the pool, which my mom and I take seriously—luckily, so does the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, with a sunscreen station, infused water, and a bevy of lounge seating options at the Dana Pool. As I tan, my reading is interrupted a handful of times by curious guests stopping to ask about my new Kilometre bag. 

Luckily, the pool is just steps from our next activity of the day: a spa appointment. We both opt for the Blue Diamond Facial. Using the Blue Diamond collection from Omorovicza, each product incorporates Budapest’s mineral-rich water, and techniques like enzyme exfoliation, cooling eye treatments, and traditional Hungarian lifting massage leave my skin firmer, brighter, and deeply recharged. Glowing, we can't resist returning to 180 BLU for dinner. 

The rhythms of the Pacific serenade us at our final morning breakfast in the Club Lounge as we reflect on our stay. My bag is filled to the brim with souvenirs commemorating the past few days: my “All-in” rash guard, my Mala Mantra bracelet, my Compartes charity chocolate bars. On the coastal drive home, I daydream about the trip and my eventual next visit. I’m ready to Ritz and repeat.